Hi Everyone - Any idea how long it will take to drive from Salinas to Carmel?? Also, if you were to head out for the 17 Mile Drive from Salinas instead of Carmel, would you have to double back and head north again to not miss any part of it?? I am trying to plan the logistics for a trip down the coast in July. We have relatives that live in Salinas and we're trying to decide if we should stay with them or just stay at a B&B in Carmel for convenience. Thanks!!

Drove from Carmel to Salinas last summer, it is not a long drive. Half an hour maybe. It is a pleasant and lovely drive on a good road through the hills.

< Also, if you were to head out for the 17 Mile Drive from Salinas instead of Carmel, would you have to double back and head north again to not miss any part of it?? >

I agree. It is a rather nice drive and we have done it often.

From Salinas, take hiway 68 west. It’s about a half hour. From hiway 68, past Monterey Airport, you will connect with hiway 1 that puts you right on the peninsula. You may be looking at hiway 68 that’s ON the peninsula. That’s Pacific Grove, and not really part of the Salinas to Monterey drive, nor the 17-mile drive. The two portions of hiway 68 west are disconnected by a very short strand of hiway 1. Confused? Here’s a map that may help clarify:
http://www.pebblebeach.com/page.asp?id=880

There are 2 gates to enter the 17-mile drive: 1) at the Pacific Grove exit from hiway 1, and 2) in Carmel at the end of Ocean ave turn right on San Antonio. The latter will actually guide you back up to the PG gate if you follow the marked road.

In short, to answer your question, you will see all of the 17-mile drive starting from the PG gate. Starting at Salinas, take 68 west, then hiway 1 south (very short distance), then the 68/Pacific Grove exit.

For an added bonus, after you loop back to the PG gate, take 68 West, through Pacific Grove to Ocean View Blvd. Follow it to the right for some of the most scenic coastline to Cannery Row. The ice-plant is in full bloom right now and that part of the drive is breath- taking with its own beauty. Since we’re there often we mostly do this drive instead.

Ps: if you’re in Salinas, you may want to check out The Steinbeck Center and have lunch at The Steinbeck House. I recommend both.

Have fun!

postscript: You can get discounts at the Salinas Chamber of Commerce for both the Steinbeck Center and lunch at The Steinbeck House. I think the coupons are like $2/person off for each, but it's right up the road, so what the hey? We found this out because we got lost....heh

As others have said, Salinas to Carmel is only about a 30 minute drive and isn't a big deal at all.

While you are in the area, I would recommend a trip to Point Lobos just south of Carmel - incredibly beautiful.